SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol., 01 November 2022

Sec. Biomaterials

Volume 10 - 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2022.1041531

A systematic review and meta-analysis on different stem fixation methods of radial head prostheses during long-term follow-up

  • Department of Sports Medicine, Beijing Ji Shui Tan Hospital, School of Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China

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Abstract

Background: Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is typically performed for non-reconstructible radial head fractures with or without valgus stability. The fixation methods can be divided into cemented rigid fixation, such as screw fixation, and uncemented micromovement fixation, including smooth stem, press-fit, expanded device, in-growth stem, and grit-blasted stem fixations. Different fixation methods may impact long-term clinical outcomes and cause complications. This study aimed to compare the long-term follow-up outcomes of cemented and uncemented radial head prostheses.

Methods: A computerized literature search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for studies on radial head prostheses, replacement, and arthroplasty published from inception to April 2022. The prostheses fixation method was divided into cemented and uncemented fixation groups. The outcomes of interest included the participant characteristics, prostheses types, clinical outcomes, reoperation rates, and complication rates during long-term follow-up.

Results: A total of 57 studies involving 2050 patients who underwent RHA were included in our analysis. Cemented fixation was used in 23 of these studies, uncemented fixation in 35 studies, and both cemented and uncemented fixations in one study. Both fixation groups showed significantly improved clinical outcomes after treatment. In particular, both the reoperation and complication rates were lower in the uncemented fixation group (12% and 22%, respectively) than that in the cemented fixation group (20% and 29%, respectively). Among the studies, uncemented monopolar fixation had the lowest reoperation rate (14%), while cemented monopolar fixation had the highest reoperation rate (36%). Regarding complication rates, uncemented bipolar fixation yielded the lowest rate (12%), while cemented bipolar fixation yielded the highest rate (34%). The range of motion and clinical outcome scores were good in both groups.

Conclusion: Uncemented radial head prostheses had lower reoperation and complication rates than cemented prostheses. In particular, uncemented monopolar prostheses may yield the lowest reoperation rate, while uncemented bipolar prostheses may yield the lowest overall complication rate.

Introduction

Radial head fractures account for approximately 33% of elbow fractures and 1.7%–5.4% of all fractures (Mason ML, 1954; Kaas L et al., 2010). When dislocation or comminuted radial head fractures (modified Mason types III and IV) occur, it is crucial to restore radial head function because of its essential role in maintaining elbow stabilization (Morrey et al., 1991). Currently, radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is universally accepted for the treatment of comminuted radial head fractures. Sershon et al. reported that approximately 85% of patients achieved good-to-excellent outcomes after primary RHA (Sershon et al., 2018). Li et al. performed a systematic review and meta-analysis and concluded that the application of RHA led to better range of motion (ROM) and lower complication rates (Li and Chen, 2014). However, complications after RHA cannot be avoided, with varying reoperation rates ranging from 0% to 45% (Laumonerie et al., 2017). Among these complications, painful loosening is the primary reason for radial head fixation reoperation (Van Riet et al., 2010; O’Driscoll and Herald, 2012; Duckworth et al., 2014; Delclaux et al., 2015; Neuhaus et al., 2015; Kachooei et al., 2016); its cause is speculated to be related to the manner the prostheses stem is fixed.

Radial head prostheses fixation can be divided according to the stem fixation method: cemented and uncemented. Cemented fixation is defined as firm fixation of a prostheses in the medulla without micromotion. Meanwhile, uncemented fixation is described as fixation of a prostheses in the medullary region with micromotion owing to a 1–2 mm space existing between the prostheses stem and medullary cavity. Previous studies have reported that cemented prostheses can achieve good stability, with a lower loosening rate (Acevedo et al., 2014), while uncemented micromotion prostheses can avoid the oversizing effect, alleviate radial head impingement, and have fewer complications (Chanlalit et al., 2012; Laflamme et al., 2017). Nevertheless, there is still controversy regarding which type of prostheses has better performance.

The purpose of this study was to compare between cemented and uncemented radial head prostheses during long-term follow-up. We hypothesized that uncemented prostheses have lower complication and reoperation rates than cemented prostheses.

Methods

Search strategy

The study was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to April 2022 using the following search terms: radial head, radial head arthroplasty, prostheses, unipolar, monopolar, bipolar, cemented, uncemented, and not reviewed. Randomized controlled trials, retrospective cohort studies, and case series were included, and the average follow-up period was >24 months. The prostheses fixation methods were divided into cemented and uncemented fixation groups. Letters, comments, editorials, case reports, proceedings, and personal communications as well as studies in which the characteristics of elbow injury involved active infection, previous treatment failure or bilateral treatment were excluded. The list of potential references was reviewed, and data were extracted by two independent reviewers; a third reviewer was consulted to resolve any uncertainties regarding eligibility.

Data extraction and quality assessment

The following data were extracted from the studies that met the inclusion criteria: name of the first author, year of publication, design of the study, number of participants in each group, age and sex of the participants, implants used for RHA, complications, length of follow-up, and major clinical functional outcomes.

The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the modified 18-item Delphi checklist.

Outcome measures

The primary outcomes were the rates of reoperation and overall complications. The secondary outcomes were the average range of clinical functional outcomes, including the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), visual analog scale (VAS), The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow Questionnaire (ASES), and Broberg–Morrey scores, and the average ROM (flexion minus extension). For subgroup analysis, we would investigate the effect of prostheses polarity on the rates of reoperation and complications.

Statistical analysis

Event rates with 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes and means with 95% Cis for continuous outcomes. Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics. The I2 statistic indicates the percentage of the observed between-study variability caused by heterogeneity. Heterogeneity was evaluated based on the I2 statistic as follows: 0%–24%, no heterogeneity; 25%–49%, moderate heterogeneity; 50%–74%, large heterogeneity; and 75%–100%, extreme heterogeneity. When the I2 statistic (>50%) indicated heterogeneity between the studies, the random-effects model (DerSimonian–Laird method) was used. Otherwise, the fixed-effects model was utilized (Mantel–Haenszel method). Pooled effects were calculated, and a two-sided p value of <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. All statistical analyses were performed using the RevMan software version 5.3 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, United Kingdom).

Result

Of the 211 studies initially identified, 111 were excluded after preliminary screening of the abstracts and titles because they were not relevant (Figure 1). The remaining 100 articles underwent full-text review, and 42 were excluded for not reporting the outcomes of interest, not applying RHA, and not mentioning whether the periprosthetic fixation method was cemented fixation.

FIGURE. 1

FIGURE. 1

PRISMA 2009 flow diagram.

57 studies were finally included in the analysis, with a total of 2050 patients who received RHA implants: 618 patients received cemented implants, and 1,432 patients received uncemented implants. Two studies were prospective studies; eighteen, retrospective studies; and thirty-seven, case series (Table 1). Across all studies, the mean age in the cemented and uncemented fixation groups was 47.4 and 49.5 years, respectively; the number of the male patients in the cemented and uncemented fixation groups was 320 and 601, respectively, while that of the female patients was 214 and 631 in the studies that mentioned related item, respectively. In general, the average of follow-up in cemented group was 65.6 months, and that in uncemented group was 60.0 months. The detail is shown in Table 1 and 2.

TABLE. 1

Author (year)Type of studiesPatientsAverage ageGender (male)DominantAverage follow-up (month)Indication of surgeryImplant of radial head arthroplastyPolarity (monopolar VS. bipolar)Clinical outcomesRang of motion (flexion minus extension)ReoperationComplicationsQA
Luo2022Case series17351513103stiffness by traumaTornierbipolarMEPI: 95 ± 6; DASH: 8 ± 5; VAS: 0.2 ± 0.5ROM:113 ± 19°ulnar nerve symptoms n = 113
Songy2021Retrospective Cohort2978acute, nonreconstructible radial head fracturesEvolve n = 60; SBI/Avanta/Stryker n = 21; Anatomic n = 33monopolar4stiffness:pain:Transverse instability/pain n = 1:2:115
Pehlivanoglu2021Retrospective Cohort2648.8515132.2acute and comminuted radial head fracturesOrtoPromonopolarVAS:0.8; MEPS:91.5; DASH:6.3; SF-36:55.5ROM:117.5°1periprosthetic stem lucency and pain n = 111
Montbarbon2021Case series1652.598144TornierbipolarQuick-Dash:23.01 ± 7.8ROM:132 ± 11°3recurrent dislocation n = 1; or chronic pain n = 117
Marcheix2021Case series41591486.9acute elbow traumaJudet-type RH prostheses with floating cupbipolarVAS:0.78, MEPI:88.7, DASH18.7ROM:13–139.3°5regional pain:nerve palsy n = 4:115
Laun2019Case series3749.9212867.2radial head fracture Mason IIIJudet’s bipolar prosthesesbipolarVAS: 1.2; DASH:18.6; Broberg and Morrey score:86.5; MEPS: 90.3ROM: 12.5–131.7°117
Kiechle2019Retrospective cohort study484546fracture associated with instability of the elbowMoPyC; TorniermonopolarVAS:3.3; MEPS:70 Broberg and Morrey score:63 DASH:34ROM: 20–118°subluxation:loosening:ossifications:nerve affection:instability n = 1:1:1:1:116
Laumonerie2018Retrospective cohort study6552.464476.78nonreconstructable fractureGUEPAR n = 30; Evolutive n = 20; rHead STANDARD n = 6; rHead RECON prostheses n = 9bipolar n = 59; monopolar n = 6MEPS:87.4; DASH:16.57ROM: 11–133.6°14painful loosening n = 1414
Jungbluth2018Case series4657.7193565.3Monteggia-like lesionTornierbipolarVAS:1.0; Morrey and broberg score: 86.6; DASH:15.1ROM: 8–133.2°613
Cui2018Retrospective cohort study9315329Terrible triad injury of the elbowEdinabipolarMEPS:94ROM: 5–126°9
Laumonerie2017Retrospective cohort study7752544274nonreconstructable fractureGuepar n = 36; Evolutive n = 24; rHead RECON; SBI/Stryker n = 10; rHead Standard n = 7bipolar n = 70; monopolar n = 7MEPS:88.8; DASH:15.5ROM:9.3–135.3°30painful loosening n = 29; nerve palsy n = 1212
Lopiz2016Retrospective cohort study14546642radial head fracturesMoPyCbipolarDASH:24.8 MEPI:78.9ROM:85.5°4stiffness n = 3; fracture n = 1; neurological injuries n = 215
Heijink2016Case series25557450radial head fracturesTornierbipolarMEPS:89.6ROM:6–135°1neuropraxia n = 2; nerve paresthesia n = 2; stiffness n = 114
Alllavena2014Case series2244151050radial head fracturesThe Guepar® radial head prosthesesbipolarMEPS:79ROM:1004postero-lateral subluxation n = 6; nerve dysfunction n = 513
Liu2013Case series831.7726elbow stiffnessTornier, Edina, MN, United StatesbipolarMEPS:92.5ROM:7.5–120.6°17
Leigh2012Retrospective cohort study1145.5640.7terrible triad injuriesAvante or EvolvemonopolarDASH:10.83 ASES:89ROM:5–135°4stiffness n = 216
Celli2010Case series1646.111941.1radial head fracturesTornier, EdinabipolarVAS:1.38; MEPS:89.4; DASH:11.4ROM:117°ankylosis n = 2 synostosis n = 213
Burkhart2010Case series1744.114106radial head fracturesJudet’s bipolar radial head prosthesesbipolarMEPS:90.83 DASH:9.8ROM:21–124°dislocation n = 214
Lim2008Case series72429.7radial head fracturesHowmedicamonopolarVAS:1.8; Broberg and Morrey score:78.4; DASH:13.61; ASES:92.5ROM:100°neuropathy n = 1; loosening n = 414
Popovic2007Case series51513241100.8radial head fracturesTornierbipolarMEPS:83ROM:14–130°regional pain syndrome n = 1; nerve palsy n = 5; subluxation n = 18
Dotzis2006Case series1444.810963.6radial head fracturesTornierbipolarDASH:23.9ROM:14–140°complex regional pain syndrome n = 116
Brinkman2005Case series11438624treated previously with ORIFJudet CRF IIbipolarROM:14.5–135°215
Popovic2000Case series1152.76732radial head fractures associated with elbow dislocationTornierbipolarROM:14.5–130°11

Baseline demographics of the selected studies for cemented fixation.

TABLE 2

Author (year)Type of studiesPatientsAverage ageGender (male)DominantAverage follow-up (month)Identification of surgeryImplant of radial head arthroplastyPolarity (monopolar VS. bipolar)Clinical outcomesRang of motion (flexion minus extension)ReoperationComplicationsQA
Gramlich2021Retrospective comparative treatment study66484142.2nonreconstructible radial head fracturesSBI rHead n = 31; Tornier MoPyC n = 35bipolar n = 31; monopolar n = 35ROM:17.7–127.5°13painful loosening n = 6; joint stiffness n = 313
Raven2020Retrospective cohort study8654374687.6nonreconstructible radial head fracturesEvolve n = 75; MoPyC, Tornier n = 11monopolarMEPI:79.4; DASH: 24.5ROM:16.5–128.2°4painful loosening n = 5; nerve syndrome n = 314
Songy2021Retrospective cohort study8578persistent symptoms previously treated radial head fracturesEvolve n = 60; SBI/Avanta/Stryker n = 21; Anatomic n = 33monopolar10stiffness n = 1; pain n = 712
Mukka2020Retrospective cohort study14457772comminuted radial head fracturesExplor n = 14monopolarVAS:2; DASH:26ROM:17–125°11
Claessen2020Case series2448827nonreconstructible radial head fracture associated with elbow instabilityTornier15
Chen2020Retrospective cohort study3344.762018108.36comminuted radial head fracturesEvolvemonopolarMEPS:84; DASH:10.8ROM:126.8°1stiffness n = 115
Carbonell-Escobar2020Case series62543262.4nonreconstructible radial head fracture associated with elbow instabilityEvolve n = 27; Anatomic Radial Head n = 35monopolarMEPS:83ROM:10–125°neurologic symptoms n = 1016
Baek2020Case series2449.81358.9complex radial head fractures with associated injuriesEVOLVE n = 10; Acumed n = 7; Zimmer-Biomet n = 5; Tornier n = 2monopolarVAS:0.6 MEPS:88.7; DASH: 19.4ROM:4.7–132.7°1stiffness n = 2; ulnar neuropathy n = 214
Jung2019Retrospective cohort study57493122100.8nonreconstructible radial head fractureEvolvemonopolarMEPS:74 ± 22; DASH:31 ± 25; VAS:2.1 ± 2.5ROM:102°12loosening n = 7; instability n = 1; nerve syndrome n = 4; stiffness n = 1; pain syndrome n = 113
Gramlich2019Retrospective cohort study66484142acute radial head fracturerHead, SBI n = 31; MoPyc, Tornier n = 35bipolar n = 31; monopolar n = 3513painful loosening n = 17; stiffness n = 312
Cristofaro2019Case series1195056132monopolarDASH:1330painful loosening n = 6; stiffness n = 1213
Ricon2018Case series18481379.8MoPyC, TorniermonopolarMEPS:89.5ROM:15–127°15
Tarallo2017Case series3149262630radial head fracturesAcumedMEPS:91.2ROM:112°14
Strelzow2017Prospective study14855436656.4radial head fracturesEvolvemonopolarDASH:17.55ROM:14–135°512
Laflamme2017Retrospective cohort study5750.2282775.6The EVOLVE n = 32; The ExploR n = 48monopolarVAS:1.11; DASH:7.7; MEPI:96.5211
Han2016Case series353.30224.6isolated radial head fractureSBIMEPS:95 DASH:7.5 ASES:94.7ROM:6.6–140°15
Gauci2016Case series6552303646radial head fracturesMoPyC, TorniermonopolarVAS:1; MEPS:96ROM:9–136°417
Yan2015Retrospective cohort study2036.541136radial head fractures with terrible triadWaldemar LINK GmbH & Co.monopolarMEPS:85.8ROM:17–117°stiffness n = 1; Secondary coronoid fragment displaced n = 17
Sarris2012Case series3254202227MoPyC, TorniermonopolarROM:130°stem neck dissociation n = 115
Rotini2012Retrospective cohort study30441924radial head fractures with elbow stiffness or instabilitySBImonopolar n = 12; bipolar n = 19MEPS:90217
Ricon2012Case series2854111532.6MoPyCbipolarMEPS:92ROM:15–120°neuropathy n = 116
Flinkilla2012Case series42561653acute unstable injuryAvanta Orthopedics n = 19; Acumed n = 23monopolarMEPS:86 DASH:23ROM:20–135°nerve palsy n = 1; stiffness n = 414
Lamas2011Case series4751183248nonreconstructable radial head fractureMopyc, Bioprofile-TornierbipolarVAS:1ROM:6–140°3dislocation n = 2; neurologic symptoms n = 216
Chen2011Prospective randomised controlled trial223733.6nonreconstructable radial head fractureEvolvemonopolarBroberg and Morrey:92.1stiffness n = 315
Chien2010Case series13371038.3radial head fracturesEvolvemonopolarMEPS:86.9ROM:6.2–126.5°2stiffness n = 215
Fehringer2009Case series1655932comminuted radial head fracturesEvolvemonopolar14
Shore2008Case series31541296Chronic posttraumatic elbow disordersSmith and Nephew Richards n = 22; Evolve n = 10monopolarMEPS:83neuropathy n = 4; chronic regional pain syndrome n = 115
Anneluuk2008Retrospective cohort study31472224EVOLVE n = 16; Swanson Titanium Radial Head Implant n = 1MEPS:88; DASH:16.5ROM:16–132°13
Doornberg2007Case series275213748radial head fracturesEvolveMEPS:85 DASH:17 ASES:84ROM:20–131°17
Wretenberg2006Case series18521144.4radial head fracturesWaldemar Link, GmbH & Co.VAS:0.8ROM:15–130°12
Grewal2006Case series265491124.5radial head fracturesEvolvemonopolarMEPI:80.5 DASH:24.4ROM:24.9–138.1°neurologic n = 314
Ashwood2004Case series164581633.6radial head fracturesEvolvemonopolarMEPS:87 VAS:1.7ROM:15–125°regional sympathetic mediated pain n = 1; ulnar nerve neuropathy n = 315
Moro2001Case series24541139radial head fracturesSmith and Nephew RichardsmonopolarMEPI:80; DASH:17ROM:8–140°regional sympathetic mediated pain n = 1; ulnar nerve neuropathy n = 116
Harrington2001Case series2046711145.2radial head fracturesSmith and Nephew RichardsmonopolarBroberg and Morrey score:88ROM:17–120°4pain n = 49
Knight1993Case series31571254comminuted radial head fractureSilastic: Dow Corningmonopolarulnar nerve paraesthesia n = 212

Baseline demographics of the selected studies for uncemented fixation.

Quality assessment

The study quality was assessed using the modified 18-item Delphi checklist (maximal [i.e., best] score: 18). In general, the studies were of good quality, with most (55/59) studies having a score of >10. Two studies had a score of nine and other two studies had scores of 7 and 8, respectively.

Cemented and uncemented fixation comparison

Twenty-three and thirty-five studies were included in the analysis of cemented and uncemented fixations, respectively. No significant heterogeneity was found in the rate of cemented and uncemented reoperations (cemented: Q = 7.9, I2 = 0%; uncemented: Q = 7.47, I2 = 0%); therefore, the fixed-effects model was used. The rate of cemented reoperation ranged from 3% to 39%, while that of uncemented reoperation ranged from 2% to 25%, with pooled estimates of 20% and 12%, respectively (cemented: 95% CI: 0.12–0.29, uncemented: 95% CI: 0.06–0.19) (Figures 2, 3). Heterogeneity was observed in the overall complication rate (cemented: Q = 41; I2 = 61%, uncemented: Q = 61.67; I2 = 68%). Therefore, the random-effects model was used. The pooled estimate of overall complications in the cemented and uncemented fixation groups was 29% and 22%, respectively (cemented: 95% CI: 0.16–0.41, uncemented: 95% CI: 0.11–0.34) (Figures 4, 5). Moreover, the mean MEPS and DASH, VAS, ASES, and Broberg–Morrey scores were 70–95, 6.5–34, 0–3.3, 86–92.5, and 63–90.1 in the cemented fixation group and 74–96, 6.17–31, 0.6–2.9, 70–94.7, and 85.5–94.2 in the uncemented fixation group, respectively. The mean ranges of flexion, extension, pronation, and supination between the cemented and uncemented fixation groups were 118–140 vs 124–145, 5–21 vs 4.7–34, 43–87.5 vs. 47.9–85, and 57–88 vs. 35–85, respectively. Seventeen and twenty-two studies reported complications in the cemented and uncemented fixation groups, respectively. The following complications were found in the cemented fixation group: painful loosening (10.1%), nerve symptoms (6.5%), elbow stiffness (2%), dislocation (2%), and regional pain syndrome (1%). Meanwhile, the following complications were reported in the uncemented fixation group: painful loosening (4.3%), nerve symptoms (3.7%), elbow stiffness (3.5%), regional pain syndrome (1.6%), and dislocation (0.5%).

FIGURE. 2

FIGURE. 2

Forest plot for rate of reoperation of cemented fixation.

FIGURE. 3

FIGURE. 3

Forest plot for rate of reoperation of uncemented fixation.

FIGURE. 4

FIGURE. 4

Forest plot for rate of complication of cemented fixation.

FIGURE. 5

FIGURE. 5

Forest plot for rate of complication of uncemented fixation.

Subgroup analysis

Eighteen studies used cemented bipolar prostheses; six, cemented monopolar prostheses; five, uncemented bipolar prostheses; and twenty-five, uncemented monopolar prostheses. In the meta-analysis, the lowest rate of reoperation was reported for uncemented monopolar fixation (14%, 95% CI: 0.08–0.20) and the lowest rate of complications for uncemented bipolar fixation (12%, 95% CI: 0.05–0.30). The highest rate of reoperation was reported for cemented monopolar fixation (36%, 95% CI: 0.15–0.56) and the highest rate of complications for cemented bipolar fixation (34%, 95% CI: 0.26–0.42) (Table 3). The range of clinical outcomes in cemented bipolar and monopolar was MEPS: 78.9–95 and 70–91.5, DASH: 8–23.9 and 6.3–34, VAS: 0.2–1.38 and 0.8–3.39, Broberg and Morrey: 86.5–86.6 and 63–78.4, while ASES score was only mentioned in two studies using cemented monopolar prostheses, it ranged from 89 to 92.5. And the range of that uncemented bipolar and monopolar was MEPS: 90–92 and 74–96.5, VAS: one and 0.6–2.1, while DASH and Broberg and Morrey reported in studies using uncemented monopolar were 7.7–31 and 88–92.1, respectively. For some of the more concerned complications, distribution of complications in cemented bipolar: nerve symptoms 0.05%, painful loosening 8%, elbow stiffness 2%, dislocation 2.9%, regional pain syndrome 2%, while that in studies using cemented monopolar: nerve symptoms 3.3%, painful loosening 33%, elbow stiffness 5%, dislocation 1.7%, regional pain syndrome 3.3%. Distribution of complications in uncemented bipolar: nerve symptoms 2%, painful loosening 17.5%, elbow stiffness 6%, dislocation 2%, while that in studies using uncemented monopolar: nerve symptoms 3.9%, painful loosening 3%, elbow stiffness 3.2%, dislocation 0.2%, regional pain syndrome 1.7%.

TABLE 3

ReoperationComplications
HeterogeneityPooled resultsHeterogeneityPooled results
Number of studiesI2Effect size (95% CI)p valueNumber of studiesI2Effect size (95% CI)p value
Uncemented monopolar160%0.14(0.08,0.20)<0.0011969%0.24 (0.12,0.35)<0.001
Cemented monopolar40%0.36(0.15,0.56)<0.001580%0.32 (0.17,0.46)<0.001
Uncemented bipolar339%0.20(0.02,0.37)0.0330%0.12 (-0.05,0.30)0.17
Cemented bipolar1234%0.34(0.26,0.42)<0.0011246%0.34 (0.26,0.42)<0.001

Meta-analysis for secondary outcomes.

Discussion

The main finding of this study is that uncemented radial head prostheses had lower reoperation and overall complication rates than cemented radial head protheses. In particular, uncemented monopolar prostheses yielded the lowest reoperation rate and uncemented bipolar prostheses, the lowest overall complication rate.

Multiple radial head prostheses fixation can be classified according to the stem fixation method: uncemented or cemented. For uncemented fixation, there is often a gap of 1–2 mm between the prosthetic stem and medullary cavity, allowing micromotion, which can lead to excessive stress that is appropriately dispersed. Muhm et al. conducted a survey on the outcome of uncemented prostheses during mid-term follow-up; they found a mean Broberg–Morrey score of 85.5 ± 12.2, indicating good results observed in the group (Muhm et al., 2011). For cemented stem fixation, the prostheses was rigidly fixed to the medulla using bone cement. Cement fixation, including firm fixation, may reduce early prostheses loosening, and smaller-diameter stems avoid iatrogenic fracture during surgery. Agyeman et al. performed a systematic review and meta-analysis and found no significant outcome between the cemented prostheses group and the loose smooth stem group, although the cemented prostheses group had a higher risk of complications and reoperation than the other group (Agyeman et al., 2019). Laumonerie et al. conducted a survey of prostheses implanted via cemented fixation and found a relatively high rate of painful loosening (approximately 21.5%), osteolysis (53.8%), and overstuffing (46.2%) (Laumonerie et al., 2018). Szmit et al. performed a biomechanical study and found that using cemented fixation would make the radial head prostheses less effective in distributing high contact stress and easier to get abraded (Szmit et al., 2019). Although Kachooei et al. observed the lowest rate of revision with cemented fixation in their systematic review and meta-analysis, they thought that the rate may be related to difficulties in removing the implant design (Kachooei et al., 2018). Regarding radiographic evaluation, Popovic et al. observed progressive radiographic loosening lines in 16 of 51 patients, and further 16 patients had loss of proximal bone support at the neck of the radius (Popovic et al., 2007). Similarly, Marcheix et al. found that 24% of elbows had radiographic loosening, and 54% of elbows developed lateral condyle demineralization (Marcheix et al., 2021). The results of the present study are comparable with those of previous studies. Herein, higher rates of reoperation and overall complications were found with cemented fixation than with uncemented fixation; in particular, the painful loosening rate was higher with cemented fixation than with uncemented fixation (10% vs 5.5%).

In addition, radial head prostheses were divided into monopolar and bipolar prostheses. Most monopolar prostheses are one-piece unipolar metallic devices with a closely connected junction between the radial head and the stem. Strelzow et al. conducted a survey on monopolar prostheses and found that the final mean PREE and Quick-DASH scores were 17 ± 3 and 14 ± 3, respectively, with a complication rate of 26% (Strelzow et al., 2017). Baek et al. reported satisfactory results of monopolar prostheses for complex radial head fractures, with a mean MEPS of 88.7 ± 11.5 and a mean DASH score of 19.4 ± 7.8 (Baek et al., 2020). In the present study, the rates of complications and reoperation with uncemented monopolar protheses were 24% and 14%, respectively; the rates with cemented monopolar prostheses were 32% and 36%, respectively. The mean VAS score, MEPS, DASH score, and Broberg–Morrey score were 0.8–3.3, 70–91.5, 6.3–34, and 63–78.4, respectively. Bipolar radial head implants were invented to improve the junction and ROM of the elbow, and some experts suggest that their use leads to better elbow kinematics after surgery. Laun et al. reported good-to-excellent results of bipolar arthroplasty for radial head fractures at an average of 5.6 years of follow-up (Laun et al., 2019). Patients showed a mean DASH score of 18.6 and a mean MEPS of 90.3. Burkhart et al. also reported promising mid-to-long-term results with bipolar radial head prostheses. The mean MEPS reached approximately 90.8, and the mean DASH score reached approximately 9.8. However, Burkhart et al. reported degenerative changes in 71% and periarticular ossification after surgery in 76%, which were confirmed in the present study (Burkhart et al., 2010). Herein, the rates of complications and reoperation with uncemented bipolar protheses were 24% and 14%, respectively; the rates with cemented bipolar protheses were 32% and 36%, respectively. The mean VAS score, MEPS, DASH score, and Broberg–Morrey score were 0.2–1.4, 78.9–95, 8–23.9, and 86.5–86.6, respectively.

The efficacy of bipolar or monopolar prostheses is still controversial. Theoretically, bipolar designs reduce abrasion of the capitellar cartilage and stress at the implant-to-cement and cement-to-bone interfaces because of the free rotation between the stem and articular components. The radiocapitellar contact pressure may also decrease with bipolar designs compared with that with monopolar designs owing to the better alignment of the articular component onto the capitellum. Antoni et al. reported similar clinical and radiological results and complication and revision rates (Antoni et al., 2020). Hejink et al. reviewed 30 studies involving 727 patients and found that there was no significant difference in the ROM or clinical outcomes between bipolar and monopolar prostheses (Heijink et al., 2016). Mukka et al. conducted a mean follow-up of 6 years between two kinds of prostheses and found no significant difference in the QuickDASH score and ROM (Mukka et al., 2020). Van Riet et al. reviewed radial head prostheses revisions and observed a lower incidence of loosening with fixed-stem bipolar prostheses than with monopolar prostheses (Van Riet et al., 2010). In the survey by Antoni et al., the rate of ectopic ossification was higher in monopolar prostheses, which may be attributed to the longer follow-up in the monopolar prostheses group.

In our study, cemented monopolar prostheses yielded the highest reoperation rate, while uncemented monopolar prostheses yielded the lowest reoperation rate. Similarly, cemented bipolar prostheses had the highest complication rate, while uncemented bipolar prostheses had the lowest complication rate. Thus, the effect of cemented or uncemented fixation may be dominant in the outcome of RHA, with a minimal effect of bipolar or monopolar fixation. However, further biomechanical and clinical studies are required.

Limitation

As with any systematic review or meta-analysis, our study has several limitations. First, because data interpretation depends on the quality of the information gathered, the validity of our study may be limited by the respective levels of evidence. Second, different prostheses differ in morphological design, which may have an impact on the results. Third, in the subgroup analysis, only three studies mentioned the rate of periprosthetic loosening in uncemented bipolar prostheses, while three studies mentioned the rate of overall complications in monopolar cemented prostheses, which would create a significant bias. Finally, we included only English literature; studies in other languages were not included, and the results may be affected by the fact that the prostheses used worldwide vary.

Conclusion

Uncemented radial head prostheses have lower rates of reoperation and overall complications than cemented radial head prostheses. In particular, uncemented monopolar prostheses may yield the lowest rate of reoperation, while uncemented bipolar prostheses may yield the lowest rate of overall complications.

Statements

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Author contributions

SL, HZ, and YL designed the study and collected the data. SL and GY analyzed and interpreted the patient data. GY was a major contributor in writing the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

The reviewer, JC, declared a shared parent affiliation with the authors to the handling editor at the time of review.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Summary

Keywords

radial head, arthroplasty, replacement, prostheses, fixation

Citation

Yang G, Li S, Zhang H and Lu Y (2022) A systematic review and meta-analysis on different stem fixation methods of radial head prostheses during long-term follow-up. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 10:1041531. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1041531

Received

11 September 2022

Accepted

21 October 2022

Published

01 November 2022

Volume

10 - 2022

Edited by

Yansong Qi, Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital, China

Reviewed by

Jianhai Chen, Peking University People’s Hospital, China

Ming Xiang, Sichuan Provincial Orthopedics Hospital, China

Bei Liu, University of Rochester Medical Center, United States

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Yi Lu,

This article was submitted to Biomaterials, a section of the journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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